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An email sent to Rathkeale parents by principal Willy Kersten and Board of Trustees chairman George Murdoch said they had been advised not to elaborate "in relation to recent conjecture that has become public".

"There has been public speculation and as one might expect, a considerable amount of misinformation circulating," parents were told.

"The Rathkeale College Board of Trustees has and will act according to the salutary advice and guidance it has received and will continue to ensure all issues involving student and staff wellbeing will be managed appropriately".

"Quite simply, those who need to know, know, and others not affected should be able to continue their business in the usual manner," the email said.

A joint statement released yesterday from Kersten, Murdoch, and St Matthew's principal Kiri Gill, and Board of Trustees chairman Richard Toovey said "the Rathkeale teacher under investigation has not been at Rathkeale this term nor been in contact with any students".

The Ministry of Education last week confirmed it was looking into allegations made against the teacher, with the ministry's acting deputy secretary Steve Stuart saying the matter had been passed to the Education Council.